1Kuju Flower Park

A spectacular park where colorful flowers decorate the Aso mountain range

Located at an altitude of 850m on the Kuju Plateau in Aso National Park, the park offers views of the Kuju Mountain Range, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains, and the Aso Five Mountains to the far south. Approximately 5 million flowers of 500 different species are planted within the vast 220,000㎡ site, making use of the natural undulating terrain.
In spring, tulips, pansies, moss phlox, nemophila, and other flowers bloom one after another, creating a colorful patchwork landscape. The Tulip Festival is held when the tulips are in full bloom, and the sight of approximately 30,000 large flowers in five colors blooming is a sight to behold. In May, the popular nemophila fields and approximately 200,000 Livingstone daisies reach their peak.
It is a recommended spot to stop by, with a buffet Restaurant that has over 40 different dishes on the menu using local ingredients, as well as a wide range of cafes and souvenir shops.

[Best time to see]
Tulips: Approximately one week in late April
Moss Phlox: Usually in late April
Poppies: Late April to late May
Nemophila: Early to late May

▼Tulip Festival
Date and time: (Sat) April 19th - Sunday, April 27th (Sun)
Location: Flower field area

▼Nemophila Festival
Dates: (Sat), June 1st (Sun)
Location: Flower field area and others

Kuju Flower Park

• http://www.hanakoen.com/
• 4050 Kusumi, Kusumi-cho, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Bungotakada Station, approximately 105 minutes by car from Aso Kumamoto Airport
• 8:30～17:30（17:00最終受付）
• Open throughout the season (closed in winter from December 1st to the end of February)
• Admission fee (mid-April to early June): 1,300 yen for adults, 500 yen for children (ages 5 to junior high school students)
  *Other times: Adults 500-1,300 yen, Children free-500 yen
• 0974-76-1422
• free

2Isshingyo Park

A magnificent cherry tree over 400 years old, said to be the best in Kyushu

This park is located in Minamiaso Village, on the Kumamoto side of Aso Kuju Park. In the middle of the park golf course in the park is the famous tree "Isshingyo no Ozakura". It is an amazing size, about 14m tall, with a trunk circumference of over 7m, and branches that spread 21.3m east to west and 26m north to south. The magnificent cherry blossoms in full bloom against the backdrop of the Aso mountains are an unparalleled and magnificent sight. Around the same time as the cherry blossoms bloom, the surrounding rapeseed fields turn yellow, creating a vivid contrast that is typical of spring. It is said to be the bodhi tree of Hoki no Kami Korefuyu, the lord of Yazaki Castle (Uki City) who died in a battle during the Sengoku period, and it is said to have been named after the fact that Korefuyu and his retainers were mourned and mourned.

[Blooming season] Usually late March
[Best time to see] Late March to early April
[Type of cherry blossom] Yamazakura

3Takamori Pass

A cherry blossom viewing drive along a 3km long winding road lined with cherry blossom trees

Takamori Town is located at the easternmost tip of Kumamoto Prefecture. The road from Takamori Nature Park, southeast of Takamori Station, to Takamori Pass has so many curves that it is commonly known as "Kujuku Magari (99 bends)". It is also a famous cherry blossom spot known as the "Takamori Pass Senbonzakura (Thousand Cherry Blossoms)". In spring, about 7,000 cherry trees planted along the road bloom, and the area becomes lively with people who go for cherry blossom viewing drives. Since they are planted in an area with a difference in altitude, the flowering period varies slightly, so you can enjoy them for a long time. There are many Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees, and you can see a variety of cherry trees from young to old. There are photo spots around the 4th and 6th stations where you can take pictures of the five peaks of Aso and the Minamiaso plains with the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
During the peak viewing season, the Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year at the Cherry Blossom Viewing Square near the 3rd Station. During this period, the Tsukumo-magari road becomes a one-way road going uphill.

[Blooming season] Usually late March
[Best time to see] Late March to mid-April
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-yoshino, Yamazakura, Satozakura

Takamori Pass

• http://www.town.takamori.kumamoto.jp/kanko/kankomap/kanko/senbonsakura.html
• Takamori, Takamori Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Tateno Station, approximately 43 minutes by car from Aso Kumamoto Airport
• 0967-62-2913（高森町役場 政策推進課 商工観光係）
• Free (100 yen per car during the festival as a contribution to cherry blossom maintenance)

4Sensuikyo Gorge

The mountains are dyed pink by the clusters of Miyamakirishi flowers, a spectacular sight

Located at the northern foot of Mt. Aso's Nakadake and Takadake, this gorge is said to have been created by lava flows from the eruption of Mt. Aso. Around the gorge, where the lava is exposed, about 50,000 Miyamakirishi plants grow wild. This is a type of azalea found in the high mountains of Kyushu, and in May, the purple and pink flowers bloom all at once, creating a magnificent landscape where the entire mountain surface looks pink. It is said that the name of this gorge was given because "even a hermit would be intoxicated by the beauty of the flowers." At an altitude of about 900m, on a clear day you can see the northern outer rim of the mountain and other mountains, making it a location where you can enjoy the majestic nature. The walking path is gentle, so you can take your time and enjoy the spectacular views.

[Blooming season] Usually early May
[Best time to see] Early to mid-May
[Type of flower] Miyamakirishi

Sensuikyo Gorge

• https://kumamoto.guide/spots/detail/18742
• Sensuikyo Gorge, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Aso Station, approximately 70 minutes by car from Aso Kumamoto Airport
• 0967-22-3174（阿蘇市観光課）
• free

5Kannon Sakura Observatory

A single cherry tree about 100 years old stands calmly in the meadow

Located in the spacious pasture area of the outer rim of Minamiaso, this observation deck offers a distant view of Mt. Takadake, Mt. Nakadake, and Mt. Eboshi. If you go down a little, you will be greeted by a single cherry tree, the Kannon Sakura, with its majestic, horizontally spreading branches. This mountain cherry tree is about 100 years old and was given its name because the Bato Kannon (Bato Kannon) is enshrined nearby. When the pale pink flowers are in full bloom, they are almost divinely beautiful. The area is usually used as a pasture for cows, and to see the cherry blossoms you will have to walk up a grassy hill, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. If you go up to an area overlooking the cherry trees at an altitude of about 480m, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Nangou Valley and the Aso mountains in the background of the flowers.

[Blooming season] Usually late March
[Best time to see] Late March to early April
[Type of cherry blossom] Yamazakura

6Kumamoto Prefectural Open Air Theatre Aspecta

A famous spot with a variety of cherry blossoms, including Kawazu cherry blossoms and Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms

A beloved cultural Property for the prefecture's residents, this is one of the world's largest outdoor stages, with a total length of 132m and a capacity of 20,000 people. Property was named with the intention of providing a "spectacular" Experience amid the "Aso" scenery.
There are an astonishing 10,000 cherry trees lined up in the vast garden to the left of the stage. The donation of Kawazu cherry trees in 2009 prompted many more trees to be planted. Starting with the Kawazu cherry trees that bloom in late February, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing until early April, followed by Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry, and wild cherry. It is also popular with families, as you can relax and eat your lunch on the lawn while enjoying the magnificent view of the Aso outer rim. In the field surrounded by cherry blossoms, a cherry blossom festival is held, with a wide range of content, including stage events and various Experience corners.

[Blooming season] Late February (Kawazu cherry blossoms)
[Best time to see] Late February to early April
[Types of cherry blossoms] Kawazu cherry, Somei Yoshino, Weeping cherry, Yamazakura, Yang Guifei cherry

▼Aspecta Sadaharu Cherry Blossom Festival 2025
Sunday, March 30

Kumamoto Prefectural Open Air Theatre Aspecta

• https://aspecta.jp/
• 4411-9 Minamiasomura, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 37 minutes by car from JR Higo-Otsu Station, approximately 32 minutes by car from Aso Kumamoto Airport
• 9:00～17:00
• Wednesdays (open during events)
• free
• 0967-67-1161
• free

7Chojugaoka Azalea Park

Colorful azaleas blooming in a public rest area

This small hill is about 600m above sea level and is located in the northwest of the Five Peaks of Aso, in an area called the Hatabe Genya. Long ago, this public garden was created when local people planted azaleas at a rest area on a farm road where grass was transported from the grasslands on the outer rim of Mt. Aso. Currently, about 10,000 azaleas are planted across the entire hill, and you can enjoy a wide variety of flower colors ranging from pale pink to pink and magenta. The observation point offers a direct view of the Five Peaks of Aso, making it a popular photo spot. A statue of Kannon is enshrined near Parking of the public garden.

*Due to the risk of landslides following the Kumamoto earthquake, you can enter Parking, but you cannot walk around the park. You can only view the azaleas from a distance from Parking.

[Blooming season] Usually late April
[Best time to see] Late April to early May